Homes, Hope, Purpose - James Stewart

James Stewart, CEO of Home Capital Partners, recently joined the Purposely Podcast to talk about the housing challenges facing Aotearoa New Zealand—and the practical steps being taken to address them.

Through the lens of Home Capital Partners and the wider Home Group, Stewart outlined a mission focused on improving access to safe, secure, and affordable homes. The work extends well beyond property development—it’s about supporting families as they move along the housing continuum, from social housing to affordable rentals and into home ownership.

He explained how access to stable housing can reduce financial stress, improve health outcomes, and create better opportunities for children. For Stewart, building mixed communities that allow people to put down roots is a long-term investment in wellbeing.

A key theme in the conversation was the ongoing tension—and opportunity—between purpose and profit. Stewart emphasised that the organisation must be financially sustainable in order to expand its impact. Home Capital Partners works with a range of community, government, and investment partners to meet both supply-side constraints and the day-to-day pressures faced by people in housing need.

Stewart also spoke about the broader dynamics shaping New Zealand’s housing market, especially the challenges for young people who aspire to own a home. He stressed the importance of models that offer hope and build pathways to ownership, supported by patient capital and long-term partnerships.

Reflecting on his own journey—from a childhood in Christchurch to international development work—Stewart shared how his experiences shaped his commitment to purpose-led leadership. Finding faith was also a turning point, inspiring him to use his skills in service of others and to contribute to work with meaningful outcomes.

James Stewart’s story reflects a thoughtful approach to leadership, shaped by his experiences and guided by a clear sense of purpose. His work at Home Capital Partners shows what can happen when housing, investment, and social impact are brought together—with the aim of helping more New Zealanders find a place to call home.